Merz Calls for Patience After His First Meeting With China’s Xi

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz met Chinese President Xi Jinping for the first time Wednesday, expressing optimism that the two countries can overcome disagreements on trade and geopolitics to forge a strategic partnership.

“We are aware that we have differences on a number of issues,” Merz told reporters after a dinner with Xi in Beijing. “At the same moment, we realize that we can cooperate in many areas. That will need patience and above all dialogue.”